I have the pattern printed out and in a plastic sleeve. I also use a row counter I can slip on the needle. When I am knitting it goes on the left needle but when I stop for the evening, I put the row counter with the next row showing on the right needle right snug up against the knitting. So far it is working for me. I am on the 4th ball of yarn and still have2 more to go I hope I can make it to the length she wants me to knit before I need more yarn. The yarn is Knit Picks Brava it is 100% acrylic. So far, I am at 28 3/8 inches.